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Barcelona Director Rejects Reports of Lamine Yamal’s Salary Requests

Barcelona’s Sporting Director, Deco, has denied reports claiming Lamine Yamal wants to be the club’s highest-paid player. The 17-year-old winger, who has been impressive this season, is reportedly more focused on his happiness at the club than money.

WHAT HAPPENED?

In an interview with RAC1, Deco dismissed the media claims about Yamal’s contract demands. “Lamine Yamal did NOT ask to be the highest paid player on the team. It’s not true,” Deco said. He added that Yamal’s main concern is his happiness, not financial gain. This directly conflicts with reports that were circulating recently in Spanish media.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Deco’s comments come amid reports that Yamal’s agency wanted him to be the highest paid player in his next contract. Spanish outlets claimed Yamal’s representatives wanted a salary above those of top earners Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong, possibly reaching 35-40 million euros per year. At just 17, Yamal has already become a key player this season, contributing significantly to the team’s offense.

Yamal has won two La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey and found success with Spain internationally at a young age. On a youth contract reportedly worth around 3 million euros per year, he is expected to sign a new professional deal when he turns 18 this summer. Barcelona is working towards a more sustainable salary structure after financial difficulties in recent years.

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA AND YAMAL?

Following Deco’s clarification, Barcelona can now focus on finalizing a new contract for Yamal without addressing supposed salary demands. The club sees Yamal as a key part of its future and securing his long-term commitment remains a priority. Barcelona sits second in La Liga, with their next match against Athletic Bilbao this weekend. They trail leaders Real Madrid by four points with three games to play.

Yamal, one of Barcelona’s standout performers this season with 11 goals and 15 assists across all competitions, is expected to remain a focal point in the attack. Upcoming contract talks will need to balance rewarding his exceptional talent while maintaining the club’s financial approach. For now, both parties seem focused more on the sporting project than financial matters.